The Core 2 Duo needs a compatible motherboard to operate.
Intel's Core 2 Duo central processing units have a marked advantage over earlier chips. They can process two streams of data simultaneously. They don't necessarily process any single one faster than previous models, but because of their ability to perform twice as much work, they can juggle multiple programs with greater finesse. Because of this, you can run an anti-virus program while simultaneously operating a high-end game or graphics editing software. The only thing you need to use a Core 2 Duo is a compatible motherboard with the right sized socket.
Socket 479
The Socket 479 model has 479 pins with which to interface with a processor. It is compatible with several other central processing units, so there's a chance that you might already have a Socket 479 motherboard on your computer. You can check by using a system diagnostic program like CPUID or Belarc Advisor.
Socket 478
The Socket 478 is a slightly more efficient variant of the 479. It uses only 478 pins, and you'll need to get a Core 2 Duo specifically for this model. In general, the 478 equates to a high-end 479, with bus speeds and frequency ranges capping out at the same high rates. In both models, bus frequencies reach a max of 667MHz, which influences the data transfer from memory to the processor. Both processor frequencies also max at 2.3GHz, which is how quickly the processor itself can manipulate data.
Socket 775
The fastest of the Core 2 Duo motherboards is the Socket 775 variants, which have a max bus speed of 1.6GHz and processors as fast as 3.8GHz. As with Socket 479, the Socket 775 has multiple chip compatibilities, so even if you don't presently have a Core 2 Duo installed, you might be able to upgrade without swapping motherboards.
Tags: central processing, central processing units, compatible motherboard, Intel Core, need Core, processing units, Socket Socket